The Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) has formally endorsed its National Chairman, Dan Nwanyanwu, as its consensus presidential candidate for the 2027 general election, marking a major step in the party’s early presidential positioning.
The endorsement was announced at a stakeholders’ meeting held in Abuja on Saturday, where party leaders unanimously adopted Nwanyanwu, citing confidence in his leadership experience, political structure, and long-standing role within the party.
Party officials said the decision followed extensive consultations among stakeholders, who concluded that the ZLP chairman best represents the party’s vision for national development and political stability ahead of the 2027 polls.
Accepting the nomination, Nwanyanwu expressed appreciation to party members for what he described as “trust and confidence,” pledging to run an administration anchored on purposeful leadership and national renewal if elected president.
“I must thank you for believing in me and for the confidence you have in my ability. I assure you that I will make good use of this mandate,” he said.
Outlining his policy direction, Nwanyanwu said his proposed administration would prioritise national unity, security reform, anti-corruption enforcement, energy sector transformation, industrialisation, and youth empowerment.
He described national unity as one of Nigeria’s most pressing challenges, warning that persistent ethnic and religious divisions had continued to weaken governance and slow development outcomes.
“Our diversity ought to be a source of strength, but it has been poorly managed. My government will treat national unity as an emergency and take urgent steps to restore trust among Nigerians,” he said.
On security, he expressed concern over rising cases of terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping, promising a stronger national response built on improved funding for security agencies, advanced technology deployment, and enhanced welfare for personnel.
He also restated support for decentralised policing structures, arguing that state and community policing would better address Nigeria’s complex security realities.
“If elected, I will equip and direct all security agencies to decisively confront insurgents and criminals across the country,” he said.
On governance reforms, Nwanyanwu pledged a zero-tolerance approach to corruption, promising to strengthen anti-graft institutions and improve transparency in public financial management.
He further outlined plans for energy sector reforms, including increased private sector participation, expansion of renewable energy investments, and modernisation of Nigeria’s power infrastructure to address persistent electricity shortages.
He added that his economic agenda would focus on industrialisation, improved ease of doing business, and targeted support for small and medium-scale enterprises as drivers of job creation.
